No. Sonoma is a city. It's called Sonoma Raceway. Kansas is a state, it's called Kansas Speedway. Kentucky is a state, it's called Kentucky Speedway, etc. Sonoma is a city and it's called Sonoma Raceway. They did that stupid thing with Fontana. it's called CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY because it's in California, and now they call it "Auto Club". It's dumb lmao
@@aaronkristofer18 Actually, the track is located well south of Sonoma itself, and the region bordering San Francisco Bay is actually called Sears Point. What's even more interesting is Watkins Glen International is actually several miles up the road from the village of Watkins Glen itself. The track is actually located in a town called Dix. Can you imagine if they called it Dix International?
Ricky Rudd’s footcam introduced the world to heel-toe braking. The alternative fuel strategies added layers of intrigue to the races at Sears Point. Lovely track, staff and fans.
Heel-toe downshifting was well-known to road racers decades before that, and Ricky's version of it is just plain wrong. (I say that with a smile.) He had a different feel for it because you're not supposed to use your heel on the brake pedal. It's more difficult to control the braking effort because you have to use your upper leg muscles, instead of your calf muscles. But it works for him. One thing I did pick up from his footwork is that he left-foot braked into corners where he didn't have to downshift. That made his transition back to the accelerator quicker and seamlessly smooth because he didn't have to move his right foot between pedals.
I'm a cousin of Ray Elder. I'm gunna share this video with his wife and daughter. We always appreciate when someone mentions him in any historical type of thing
Your first race was my first race. I was 11 at the time and lived in Novato. I was told by my step father we were going on an adventure. Me being the only NASCAR fan in my family, I never suspected a thing. We traveled down the 37 and I tried to explain what the traffic was all about. When we turned on to 121, it hit me that I was going to my first "Winston Cup" race. I had never been so excited before. Got to watch from infamous turn 7. Seeing the King's last race there and Swervin' local boy win was so awesome. Only downside was getting out of that place. Took us almost 4 hours to get home, to Novato.
Best race memory I have of Sonoma was the 2006 race. Both Jeff getting his final Sonoma win (and final Road Course win ever) and Terry Labonte finishing 3rd in the Hall of Fame Racing 96 car.
I'm born and raised in San Jose, my one and only NASCAR Cup race at Sonoma was when Carl Edwards won in 2014, he did his back flip off of his car right in front of where we were seated...I've also attended multiple NHRA drag races there, the way the Funny Car motors feel like they're trying to control your heart beat when they're idling up to the start line is incredible....
Lots of great moments at Sonoma, not just in Nascar, but also in IMSA, Indy Car, and NHRA. My favorite Sonoma Nascar moments pretty much came from the track's early years, anywhere from 1989-2000
Been a fan of this place since 99'. Will never forget watching the entire race watching Rudd and ward Burton wrecking near the end and how this track has become my favorite since.
NASCAR at Sonoma got better (in my opinion), when they brought back the carousel. I know last year’s race wasn’t good because of stages and the package, but racing at the carousel felt so classic, and I love that feeling!
I was at turn one when those cars flipped over, turn one was the place to be, just a four foot concrete wall and a gully separated the spectators from the drivers, now it's all generic, not fun anymore!
Growing up in Australia in the late 80's, I remember reading about Dick Johnson's adventures in the Cup series, always found it interesting that he could try his hand while still at the peak of his touring car career here. Also, in terms of fish out of water, seeing overseas drivers try and learn our tracks, especially Mt Panorama at Bathurst, as well as our touring cars was always entertaining. The story that always sticks out was Johnny Rutherford trying his hand at the Bathurst 1000 in 1977, being over 8 seconds a lap slower than his team mate Bob Morris, which led to Rutherford openly complaining that the team had given him a much slower car, Morris did a few laps in Rutherford's car, immediately went over 5 seconds a lap faster than him and handed it back saying it seems fine to him.
It's a challenge to switch driving positions from left to right, or vice versa. I went on a business trip to England once, and had a rental car with a stick shift. Left-handed shifting was weird for me for the first couple of days.
If you hadn't included the Dick Johnson clip, I was going to let you know about it! Ernie Irvan's drive from last to first in 1992 is one of my all-time favorite performances by a race driver, period. Was glad to see Earnhardt finally get a win on a road course, as I watched it live in 1995. Started to notice Tony Stewart as a real talent when he qualified second there in his rookie season. It left me muttering to myself, "now who THE HELL is that guy?" I hated it when they dumbed-down the course by cutting off the carousel. Glad to see that the full course configuration is coming back. (And for that matter, I've never liked that NASCAR runs a simplified version of Watkins Glen by cutting off The Boot. They should run there twice each year; once with The Boot, and once without it.)
I like the way you put together the factoids for this video. Picking a category and explaining every instance of it that's happened at that track. Makes it easy to follow and a lot of information gets covered. Great video!
home away from home: jeff Gordon finished 1st 5 times, 2nd 5 times, and qualified 5th or better 13 times including 5 poles. 3rd best average finish (8.3) behind Kentucky (7.2) and Martinsville (6.7)
My first encounter with Sears Point Raceway was in NASCAR Racing 2, the PC game by Papyrus. At 7 years old, my mind was blown at what looked like a snaking fantasy road lost in nowheresville. Watching it on TV set me straight on how it looked, and it quickly became one of my favorite races on the schedule. I'll admit I was slow to keep up with its many layout changes in the late 90s, along with its schedule change from May to June which really does make a difference in how the Sonoma hills look. Some of the best photographs in NASCAR come from here. Living in SoCal means Sears Point isn't my closest track, but like Auto Club Speedway, I consider it to be a home track anyway. It technically was a home track for me when I went to college in Sonoma. My first visit to the roadcourse, then-named Infineon Raceway, was in 2005, and it was an absolute joy to watch the last of the "gentlemen" drivers swap spots in the top-10 while Gordon and Stewart battled for the win. If you saw a teen wearing a Joe Nemechek 01 shirt, that was me! I came back in 2007 to watch Juan Pablo Montoya win for the first time. My next visit was in 2009, a race that had more side-by-side racing than usual, in my observation. Then came a 3-year string of visits from 2011 to 2013, which meant I was there for Vickers' revenge on Stewart, Bowyer edging out Kurt Busch in the 51 Finch car, and the odd rain-delay in the desert hills. Being a Jeff Gordon fan meant I was surely not going to miss the 2015 race, and I managed to return again in 2017 despite having nobody left to passionately root for. Each time, I've sat at the top of the hill just past turn 3a. I could see everything except for turns 1 and 11. Sonoma Raceway, as it is now, is like a Disneyland for race fans. You've got an entire hillside to explore, whether its different viewpoints or concession stands. It will tire you out, though, I can't deny. After awhile, I became like a tour guide for fans who didn't know where to go during their first visit. I even had a lengthy talk with Santa Rosa DJ Brent Farris on the radio in 2011 about how great the in-person experience is, and that it's not just a mass advertisement show with logos on cars. In 2013 pre-race, I got to hang out with Adam Alexander who was doing a piece for TNT, and later I was in the crowd behind the FOX Trackside Live with John Roberts, Jeff Hammond, and Darrell Waltrip. I don't know if or when I'll return to the track, but Sears Point/Sonoma Raceway will forever be my favorite circuit. Thank you for making this.
Witnessing the 2016 last lap pass in person was nothing short of astounding; everyone was cheering when Stewart crossed the finish line in 1st. I wasn’t a Stewart fan back when he was at his best, but I was cheering for him when I realized it was one of his last chances at a W.
I held a grudge (wrongly) against Sears Point for so many years, as young me saw it as the track that stole my Riverside away. Even tho everytime we drove by the site in the following years, i could see it was the mall and housing developments to blame. It's one of my favorites now and I hope to go there for a race sometime.
I loved watching these runnings in the nineties as a young kid, I also love seeing the cars wheel hopping off the uphill turn, especially Dale Earnhardt's car, man!!, I really miss those days of nascar racing!
Even people who aren't racers have done at some point what AJ Almendinger did there (for those with a stick shift anyway), accidentally shift into first when accelerating up through the gear instead of third
There's been plenty of memorable Sonoma moments I've witnessed in person. Whether it's the years as a fan (2013, 2015-16) or covering the sport (2018-19), it's hard to choose one. However, one that stands out more than anything was seeing Tony Stewart's last win. Coming from a guy that couldn't stand him for years, it was beast seeing him get one last NASCAR glory.
I think my favorite moment was seeing Jeff Gordon win it in 2000, he was having a rough year that year, and It was my second year as a NASCAR fan. But I think the most memorable moment for me that sticks out more than anything was Robby Gordon throwing the win away in 2001, he used up all his tires racing a lap car who was clearly faster with those fresh tires. I mean I'm no racer. But I remember being 12 and asking the same question DW and Larry Mac were asking, why are you racing him, you're going to let Tony and Jeff catch you. And sure enough they did. But it was definitely a good race to say the least
I grew up down the road in santa rosa, many a great times spent at Sears point, first nascar race there was the year Irnie Irvine black flagged the start from the pole, then ran down the field from last to win it.. awesome day. Dad snuck my brother and I into the race in the trunk of our Granada, then parked next to a couple cops, so we had to stay crammed in that molten lava hot trunk for what seems like an hour.. I was ready to turn myself in to the lawmen, if it meant getting out of that trunk.. stayed in, worth it, I'll never know how he did it, but about an hour or so after the race, the old man somehow got that Granada onto a section of the track, down around the carousel, and we turned in about 1/4 of a lap, average speed of Granada: 9mph, ending with some track workers animatedly directing us off the course, hooked on racing ever since.
I ve gone there and seen just about any kind of racing they have had there since the early 70's with my dad . From can am to Nascar to imsa and scca .🏁💙🏁❤️🇺🇸🏁
I moved to the Bay Area from New York (the state, not the city) at the end of February 2020. Sonoma being cancelled was by far the biggest let down of the COVID-19 Pandemic for me. A close 2nd was all the California World of Outlaws dates being also kicked to the can. Hoping for 2021 to make it out to Sonoma & Auto Club (gotta see it as a speedway before they ruin it with the reconfiguration)
In 1989, Riverside was still in operation during that race but would close its doors on July 2 after a racer died (and it was modified from turn 7 to the kink)
Sears Point Raceway is my favorite road course in America. The 1995 Cup race was icing on the cake for me. To this day that race track has yet to disappoint in providing a good race.
In the previous 12 Road Course starts Prior to 2016 Sonoma Denny Hamlin's performance was absolutely abysmal How bad? He only scored 2 Top 20 finishes with a combined average finish of 29.15 Best finish of 18th and a 28.8 Average Finish in 6 Sonoma Starts Best finish of 19th and a 29.5 Average Finish in 6 Watkins Glen Starts
Been to the TSM 350 every year since ‘07 (minus 2011) and it’s such a great experience. Love the track and it’s always the first track I race at in any racing game so long as it’s included. The stage racing has diminished it for the last few years but still a great time nonetheless. Been seeing a lot of hate recently about Sonoma and it breaks my heart. Great video brother!
I hope and/or wish, people like this eventually get financially compensated for productions like this other than from the crooks at youtube. This is incredible advertising for these companies & sport
I don't know what the consensus is on the 2017 race is, but it holds a very special place in my heart. It was the first ever race I went to live as a high school graduation gift.
The first time I knew about this track I was 7, didn't watch NASCAR (New Zealand didn't get NASCAR on TV back then), and I got Gran Turismo 4 and Sears Point (or Infineon Raceway) was in the game and it was a good challenge.
Forgot where i heardthis, but when BS bought the track, he had the red and white curbs painted to their current blue and yellow. Given the fact he was a diehard Cal Bears fan, and could have cardinal red on the kerbs.
@17:55 I had to run a second window in the background playing music to the scene. Specifically this youtube link (click it, and not only will you understand, it'll fully fit too) : th-cam.com/video/HTA0hCun_W8/w-d-xo.html
In the 3 years I've gone to this place starting in 2017 I've had so many moments. My first time going I remember my friend and I were walking up to our seats in Turn 2 I saw this long path leading toward The FOX's Hollywood Hotel trailer. I looked at my watch and saw the time and told my friend Hey look There's the Hollywood Hotel (Me watching NASCAR for 16 years at that point had an idea) What are the chances of us going down to the trailer and wait say 20-30 mins and we'll catch Darrell Waltrip, Michael Waltrip, and Jeff Gordon walking through here for the rehearsals and the pre-race show? My friend Richard said idk let's try. And sure enough, Michael comes up, I couldn't get my camera out in time to get a shot of him. 5 mins later Darrell comes by and I got a photo with him and we talked for a bit. Then another 5 mins after that Jeff Gordon comes up and at this point, I'm almost in tears of joy because I grew a huge Jeff Gordon fan but I never got to see him race. I couldn't get a photo with him because he was running a bit late but we shook hands and he said enjoy the race and I said thank you, you too. 5 mins later a golf cart rolls up to the trailer and Martin Truex Jr. climbs out and goes into the trailer. (I totally forgot that they interview a driver in the Hollywood Hotel) He comes back out later and had my cam ready (didn't think to ask to get a photo with him) instead I gave him a thumbs up and he gave one back then I said "Have a good race man" Which I think I jinxed him because he DNF'd that day. The next year 2018 same plan but it got even better waited in the same spot. Chris Myers came out of the Trailer for a brief moment and said hello and I got a photo with him. I got a photo with Michael Waltrip, and DW once again. Jeff Gordon was walking down once more going into the trailer and I finally got a photo with him. What makes this even better Kevin Harvick and his son was being interviewed (because he won Sonoma in 2017) I asked can I get a photo with you, Kevin? He says After we're done in there. I said ok cool. I waited for a bit and my friend Richard said dude that was Tony Stewart with them. I said what?!? Richard said yeah Tony is in there with Kevin. When Kevin came out after he had a marker in hand (I should've let him signed my Kyle Larson shirt) And I saw tony getting in the cart and I asked him can Tony get in on the photo? Kevin yells "HEY TONY you got a min for a photo?" Tony says Yeah I can get in here, then I snapped the photo and Kevin tells me "You should get a new shirt" and we all laughed and they drove away.
3:10 did the World Touring Car Championship use standing or rolling starts at Sears Point? never really followed that series that closely since usually there was just one dominant manufacturer and a bunch of also rans, but historically most European touring car series outside the UK used rolling starts, with standing starts becoming more popular throughout Europe as the British Saloon Car Championship became more and more prominent if they used standing starts I'd be curious to know how they lined the cars up since the pit lane isn't really located on that much of a straight
I believe it was a standing start for one race, then a rolling start for the other. They put grid lines on the main straight with some back to Turn 12.
@@LASTCARonBROCK the mixed format might explain why I couldn't remember what they used; it's curious that that series wound up lasting until this year when this video kinda illustrates the problem with a World Touring Car Championship, which is that wherever you go there's home-grown tin-top series for audiences to care about instead, be it Nascar in the US, the BTCC in the UK, DTM in Germany, V8 Supercars in Australia, or TC2000 in Argentina, so unless the WTCC can offer an absolutely exceptional product it's going to have a hard time standing out
Hey Brock, i'm not a nascar fan but really enjoy your videos. at 16:10 is it FLAPS i see for when the car gets reversed, to slow them down? Thanks, take care!
I went ther one day when it was practice. No one around and its the only track I can say i stood up on Victory Lane! One of my favorite tracks! Im sad they took it away his year
Great video. @12:52 no way Mark would have made the turn as those guys were gentleman vs. today's $$$spoiled rich kids$$$ that would have dumped the 6 car to take the win.
I don't I don't know if you know when they originally came to Sonoma raceway it was actually originally a hell of a lot longer than it is now And also I don't actually like the anfield layout for the stock cars I think the stock cars really are meant for the outer ring it fits them better
I like Watkins Glen better but Sears Point is still one to look forward too. NASCAR should add another road course and I'm not talking about the roval in Charlotte.
Just looked it up...its a guy named Bill Brodrick....he was a UNOCAL 76 publicist who essentially coordinated victory lane interviews and photographs from the 60s to the 90s
When I was younger(I'm 48)I told my dad Nascar should not race any road courses,he told me I'd change my mind when I got older.I said "yea right!!Conversation with my son when he was 15,You'll like road courses when you are older.HaHaHa.True story.
*I know it's not called Sears Point Raceway anymore, but don't you think it should?*
Absolutely!
No.
Sonoma is a city. It's called Sonoma Raceway. Kansas is a state, it's called Kansas Speedway. Kentucky is a state, it's called Kentucky Speedway, etc. Sonoma is a city and it's called Sonoma Raceway. They did that stupid thing with Fontana. it's called CALIFORNIA SPEEDWAY because it's in California, and now they call it "Auto Club". It's dumb lmao
*_Sonoma Point Raceway_*
@@aaronkristofer18 Actually, the track is located well south of Sonoma itself, and the region bordering San Francisco Bay is actually called Sears Point. What's even more interesting is Watkins Glen International is actually several miles up the road from the village of Watkins Glen itself. The track is actually located in a town called Dix. Can you imagine if they called it Dix International?
@@LASTCARonBROCK That would be laughable!!!
“Points leader Morgan Shepherd” is a sentence you don’t hear too often.
But you do if NASCAR wasn't the New Cool thing Todo. 🤣 Like many after Gordon came along. 😉
EVER.
Ricky Rudd’s footcam introduced the world to heel-toe braking. The alternative fuel strategies added layers of intrigue to the races at Sears Point. Lovely track, staff and fans.
Heel-toe downshifting was well-known to road racers decades before that, and Ricky's version of it is just plain wrong. (I say that with a smile.) He had a different feel for it because you're not supposed to use your heel on the brake pedal. It's more difficult to control the braking effort because you have to use your upper leg muscles, instead of your calf muscles. But it works for him. One thing I did pick up from his footwork is that he left-foot braked into corners where he didn't have to downshift. That made his transition back to the accelerator quicker and seamlessly smooth because he didn't have to move his right foot between pedals.
I'm a cousin of Ray Elder. I'm gunna share this video with his wife and daughter. We always appreciate when someone mentions him in any historical type of thing
Fantastic - thank you!
Your first race was my first race. I was 11 at the time and lived in Novato. I was told by my step father we were going on an adventure. Me being the only NASCAR fan in my family, I never suspected a thing. We traveled down the 37 and I tried to explain what the traffic was all about. When we turned on to 121, it hit me that I was going to my first "Winston Cup" race. I had never been so excited before. Got to watch from infamous turn 7. Seeing the King's last race there and Swervin' local boy win was so awesome. Only downside was getting out of that place. Took us almost 4 hours to get home, to Novato.
Oh, forgot to mention... that wasn't just my first Cup race. It was the only Cup race I've been to.
Best race memory I have of Sonoma was the 2006 race. Both Jeff getting his final Sonoma win (and final Road Course win ever) and Terry Labonte finishing 3rd in the Hall of Fame Racing 96 car.
Also Boris Said finished 9th.
I'm born and raised in San Jose, my one and only NASCAR Cup race at Sonoma was when Carl Edwards won in 2014, he did his back flip off of his car right in front of where we were seated...I've also attended multiple NHRA drag races there, the way the Funny Car motors feel like they're trying to control your heart beat when they're idling up to the start line is incredible....
Hearing Bob Jenkins voice in those races brings back memories. Sad to hear bout his health. 😟
I just... it drives me crazy... ROBBY GORDON IS WORRIED ABOUT A LAPPED CAR... and he let's Tony Stewart take the lead.
Why ___________ is Awesome is one of the best series on youtube
Lots of great moments at Sonoma, not just in Nascar, but also in IMSA, Indy Car, and NHRA. My favorite Sonoma Nascar moments pretty much came from the track's early years, anywhere from 1989-2000
11:58 “He rolled in there pretty HARRRRRRRR-“
That's Incredible commentary by Kyle Petty there
kyle.exe has committed an illegal operation and will shit down
My favorite track! My first NASCAR race was 2007's Toyota/SaveMart 350.
Juan Pablo Montoya's first win!
Been a fan of this place since 99'. Will never forget watching the entire race watching Rudd and ward Burton wrecking near the end and how this track has become my favorite since.
Or schreaders and parks infamous flip
Rewatching this again, only thing I wish you would have spent a little time on is the unique "Gilligan's Island" pit road configuration.
Genuinely surprised there was no mention of the "Gilligan's Island" pit road just past turn 11
Good point - there's just too much to cover, but I'm surprised I left that out.
NASCAR at Sonoma got better (in my opinion), when they brought back the carousel. I know last year’s race wasn’t good because of stages and the package, but racing at the carousel felt so classic, and I love that feeling!
That whole intro I was waiting for Steve Park and Ken Schader to flip in turn 1. I remember that race so vividly and have loved the track ever since.
I was at turn one when those cars flipped over, turn one was the place to be, just a four foot concrete wall and a gully separated the spectators from the drivers, now it's all generic, not fun anymore!
I'm glad racing is back, but I will definitely miss the race there this year. One of my favorite tracks on the schedule
Growing up in Australia in the late 80's, I remember reading about Dick Johnson's adventures in the Cup series, always found it interesting that he could try his hand while still at the peak of his touring car career here. Also, in terms of fish out of water, seeing overseas drivers try and learn our tracks, especially Mt Panorama at Bathurst, as well as our touring cars was always entertaining. The story that always sticks out was Johnny Rutherford trying his hand at the Bathurst 1000 in 1977, being over 8 seconds a lap slower than his team mate Bob Morris, which led to Rutherford openly complaining that the team had given him a much slower car, Morris did a few laps in Rutherford's car, immediately went over 5 seconds a lap faster than him and handed it back saying it seems fine to him.
It's a challenge to switch driving positions from left to right, or vice versa. I went on a business trip to England once, and had a rental car with a stick shift. Left-handed shifting was weird for me for the first couple of days.
If you hadn't included the Dick Johnson clip, I was going to let you know about it!
Ernie Irvan's drive from last to first in 1992 is one of my all-time favorite performances by a race driver, period.
Was glad to see Earnhardt finally get a win on a road course, as I watched it live in 1995.
Started to notice Tony Stewart as a real talent when he qualified second there in his rookie season. It left me muttering to myself, "now who THE HELL is that guy?"
I hated it when they dumbed-down the course by cutting off the carousel. Glad to see that the full course configuration is coming back. (And for that matter, I've never liked that NASCAR runs a simplified version of Watkins Glen by cutting off The Boot. They should run there twice each year; once with The Boot, and once without it.)
I like the way you put together the factoids for this video. Picking a category and explaining every instance of it that's happened at that track. Makes it easy to follow and a lot of information gets covered. Great video!
Great Job! I admire your love and dedication of the sport
I’m so ready for another road course race at Sonoma next week!
Me too!
Grew up going to Sonoma, and still go. I love it. Great atmosphere and great racing.
Same here. I was going back when they had motocross racing on the hills in the 70's.
home away from home: jeff Gordon finished 1st 5 times, 2nd 5 times, and qualified 5th or better 13 times including 5 poles. 3rd best average finish (8.3) behind Kentucky (7.2) and Martinsville (6.7)
I was honestly surprised and proud to hear Brandon Ash mentioned, as he's a hometown boy from southern oregon.
1997 was my first nascar race so thankful the sears point is in my backyard
You gotta love seeing Ricky Rudd ripping in that Buick
My first encounter with Sears Point Raceway was in NASCAR Racing 2, the PC game by Papyrus. At 7 years old, my mind was blown at what looked like a snaking fantasy road lost in nowheresville. Watching it on TV set me straight on how it looked, and it quickly became one of my favorite races on the schedule. I'll admit I was slow to keep up with its many layout changes in the late 90s, along with its schedule change from May to June which really does make a difference in how the Sonoma hills look. Some of the best photographs in NASCAR come from here.
Living in SoCal means Sears Point isn't my closest track, but like Auto Club Speedway, I consider it to be a home track anyway. It technically was a home track for me when I went to college in Sonoma. My first visit to the roadcourse, then-named Infineon Raceway, was in 2005, and it was an absolute joy to watch the last of the "gentlemen" drivers swap spots in the top-10 while Gordon and Stewart battled for the win. If you saw a teen wearing a Joe Nemechek 01 shirt, that was me! I came back in 2007 to watch Juan Pablo Montoya win for the first time. My next visit was in 2009, a race that had more side-by-side racing than usual, in my observation. Then came a 3-year string of visits from 2011 to 2013, which meant I was there for Vickers' revenge on Stewart, Bowyer edging out Kurt Busch in the 51 Finch car, and the odd rain-delay in the desert hills. Being a Jeff Gordon fan meant I was surely not going to miss the 2015 race, and I managed to return again in 2017 despite having nobody left to passionately root for. Each time, I've sat at the top of the hill just past turn 3a. I could see everything except for turns 1 and 11.
Sonoma Raceway, as it is now, is like a Disneyland for race fans. You've got an entire hillside to explore, whether its different viewpoints or concession stands. It will tire you out, though, I can't deny. After awhile, I became like a tour guide for fans who didn't know where to go during their first visit. I even had a lengthy talk with Santa Rosa DJ Brent Farris on the radio in 2011 about how great the in-person experience is, and that it's not just a mass advertisement show with logos on cars. In 2013 pre-race, I got to hang out with Adam Alexander who was doing a piece for TNT, and later I was in the crowd behind the FOX Trackside Live with John Roberts, Jeff Hammond, and Darrell Waltrip. I don't know if or when I'll return to the track, but Sears Point/Sonoma Raceway will forever be my favorite circuit. Thank you for making this.
Witnessing the 2016 last lap pass in person was nothing short of astounding; everyone was cheering when Stewart crossed the finish line in 1st. I wasn’t a Stewart fan back when he was at his best, but I was cheering for him when I realized it was one of his last chances at a W.
My personal favorite track. We went to see it on vacation, some of the nicest people I’ve met! Also never misses on action
I held a grudge (wrongly) against Sears Point for so many years, as young me saw it as the track that stole my Riverside away. Even tho everytime we drove by the site in the following years, i could see it was the mall and housing developments to blame. It's one of my favorites now and I hope to go there for a race sometime.
Man this is some great blog footage. The 80s and 90s were the best!
Grew up going to Sonoma, and still go. I love it. Great atmosphere and great racing.
I loved watching these runnings in the nineties as a young kid, I also love seeing the cars wheel hopping off the uphill turn, especially Dale Earnhardt's car, man!!, I really miss those days of nascar racing!
Even people who aren't racers have done at some point what AJ Almendinger did there (for those with a stick shift anyway), accidentally shift into first when accelerating up through the gear instead of third
You know your an old school nascar fan when you call sonoma sears point
No, people just call it "Sears Point" so people can call themselves old school.
I guess I’m in the middle cus I still call it “Infineon”
@@TimiVision1 Same. I was big into NASCAR during the Nr2003 days, so I call it Infineon.
Same thing with Dover Downs, too. Old school.
There's been plenty of memorable Sonoma moments I've witnessed in person. Whether it's the years as a fan (2013, 2015-16) or covering the sport (2018-19), it's hard to choose one. However, one that stands out more than anything was seeing Tony Stewart's last win. Coming from a guy that couldn't stand him for years, it was beast seeing him get one last NASCAR glory.
I think my favorite moment was seeing Jeff Gordon win it in 2000, he was having a rough year that year, and It was my second year as a NASCAR fan. But I think the most memorable moment for me that sticks out more than anything was Robby Gordon throwing the win away in 2001, he used up all his tires racing a lap car who was clearly faster with those fresh tires. I mean I'm no racer. But I remember being 12 and asking the same question DW and Larry Mac were asking, why are you racing him, you're going to let Tony and Jeff catch you. And sure enough they did. But it was definitely a good race to say the least
This is brilliant Brock.
Glad that Dick Johnson got a mention.
I grew up down the road in santa rosa, many a great times spent at Sears point, first nascar race there was the year Irnie Irvine black flagged the start from the pole, then ran down the field from last to win it.. awesome day. Dad snuck my brother and I into the race in the trunk of our Granada, then parked next to a couple cops, so we had to stay crammed in that molten lava hot trunk for what seems like an hour.. I was ready to turn myself in to the lawmen, if it meant getting out of that trunk.. stayed in, worth it, I'll never know how he did it, but about an hour or so after the race, the old man somehow got that Granada onto a section of the track, down around the carousel, and we turned in about 1/4 of a lap, average speed of Granada: 9mph, ending with some track workers animatedly directing us off the course, hooked on racing ever since.
I ve gone there and seen just about any kind of racing they have had there since the early 70's with my dad . From can am to Nascar to imsa and scca .🏁💙🏁❤️🇺🇸🏁
You should do a video on Riverside Raceway.
I love you videos! I think you could make a 3 hour long video on Michigan Speedway and I'd still be entertained
Earnhardt passing Martin is my first memory of Sears Point. So iconic
40 minutes of Sonoma praise? I’m in!
I moved to the Bay Area from New York (the state, not the city) at the end of February 2020. Sonoma being cancelled was by far the biggest let down of the COVID-19 Pandemic for me. A close 2nd was all the California World of Outlaws dates being also kicked to the can.
Hoping for 2021 to make it out to Sonoma & Auto Club (gotta see it as a speedway before they ruin it with the reconfiguration)
In 1989, Riverside was still in operation during that race but would close its doors on July 2 after a racer died (and it was modified from turn 7 to the kink)
Sears Point Raceway is my favorite road course in America. The 1995 Cup race was icing on the cake for me. To this day that race track has yet to disappoint in providing a good race.
In the previous 12 Road Course starts Prior to 2016 Sonoma Denny Hamlin's performance was absolutely abysmal
How bad?
He only scored 2 Top 20 finishes with a combined average finish of 29.15
Best finish of 18th and a 28.8 Average Finish in 6 Sonoma Starts
Best finish of 19th and a 29.5 Average Finish in 6 Watkins Glen Starts
I remember him struggling at Road Courses. Now look at him! A threat for the win at road courses
Been to the TSM 350 every year since ‘07 (minus 2011) and it’s such a great experience. Love the track and it’s always the first track I race at in any racing game so long as it’s included. The stage racing has diminished it for the last few years but still a great time nonetheless. Been seeing a lot of hate recently about Sonoma and it breaks my heart. Great video brother!
I hope and/or wish, people like this eventually get financially compensated for productions like this other than from the crooks at youtube. This is incredible advertising for these companies & sport
I don't know what the consensus is on the 2017 race is, but it holds a very special place in my heart. It was the first ever race I went to live as a high school graduation gift.
Hopefully this situation makes it part of the early spring west coast swing in 2021. That track all green is beautiful
Love Sonoma myself always run well there in Nascar Games basically undefeated their in Nascar 04.
The first time I knew about this track I was 7, didn't watch NASCAR (New Zealand didn't get NASCAR on TV back then), and I got Gran Turismo 4 and Sears Point (or Infineon Raceway) was in the game and it was a good challenge.
Forgot where i heardthis, but when BS bought the track, he had the red and white curbs painted to their current blue and yellow. Given the fact he was a diehard Cal Bears fan, and could have cardinal red on the kerbs.
@17:55 I had to run a second window in the background playing music to the scene. Specifically this youtube link (click it, and not only will you understand, it'll fully fit too) : th-cam.com/video/HTA0hCun_W8/w-d-xo.html
In the 3 years I've gone to this place starting in 2017 I've had so many moments.
My first time going I remember my friend and I were walking up to our seats in Turn 2 I saw this long path leading toward The FOX's Hollywood Hotel trailer. I looked at my watch and saw the time and told my friend Hey look There's the Hollywood Hotel (Me watching NASCAR for 16 years at that point had an idea) What are the chances of us going down to the trailer and wait say 20-30 mins and we'll catch Darrell Waltrip, Michael Waltrip, and Jeff Gordon walking through here for the rehearsals and the pre-race show? My friend Richard said idk let's try. And sure enough, Michael comes up, I couldn't get my camera out in time to get a shot of him. 5 mins later Darrell comes by and I got a photo with him and we talked for a bit. Then another 5 mins after that Jeff Gordon comes up and at this point, I'm almost in tears of joy because I grew a huge Jeff Gordon fan but I never got to see him race. I couldn't get a photo with him because he was running a bit late but we shook hands and he said enjoy the race and I said thank you, you too. 5 mins later a golf cart rolls up to the trailer and Martin Truex Jr. climbs out and goes into the trailer. (I totally forgot that they interview a driver in the Hollywood Hotel) He comes back out later and had my cam ready (didn't think to ask to get a photo with him) instead I gave him a thumbs up and he gave one back then I said "Have a good race man" Which I think I jinxed him because he DNF'd that day.
The next year 2018 same plan but it got even better waited in the same spot. Chris Myers came out of the Trailer for a brief moment and said hello and I got a photo with him. I got a photo with Michael Waltrip, and DW once again. Jeff Gordon was walking down once more going into the trailer and I finally got a photo with him. What makes this even better Kevin Harvick and his son was being interviewed (because he won Sonoma in 2017) I asked can I get a photo with you, Kevin? He says After we're done in there. I said ok cool. I waited for a bit and my friend Richard said dude that was Tony Stewart with them. I said what?!? Richard said yeah Tony is in there with Kevin. When Kevin came out after he had a marker in hand (I should've let him signed my Kyle Larson shirt) And I saw tony getting in the cart and I asked him can Tony get in on the photo? Kevin yells "HEY TONY you got a min for a photo?" Tony says Yeah I can get in here, then I snapped the photo and Kevin tells me "You should get a new shirt" and we all laughed and they drove away.
This has got to be the road course with the most flips on history
Great videos brother. Love em! Do you have any of Jeff Gordon?
Awesome vid ! Can't wait to be back next year ! 🏁🏁🍷
I’ll never forget Bill Webber’s, We apologize for that language
My wife grew up across from riverside and didn’t even know it
3:10 did the World Touring Car Championship use standing or rolling starts at Sears Point? never really followed that series that closely since usually there was just one dominant manufacturer and a bunch of also rans, but historically most European touring car series outside the UK used rolling starts, with standing starts becoming more popular throughout Europe as the British Saloon Car Championship became more and more prominent
if they used standing starts I'd be curious to know how they lined the cars up since the pit lane isn't really located on that much of a straight
I believe it was a standing start for one race, then a rolling start for the other. They put grid lines on the main straight with some back to Turn 12.
@@LASTCARonBROCK the mixed format might explain why I couldn't remember what they used; it's curious that that series wound up lasting until this year when this video kinda illustrates the problem with a World Touring Car Championship, which is that wherever you go there's home-grown tin-top series for audiences to care about instead, be it Nascar in the US, the BTCC in the UK, DTM in Germany, V8 Supercars in Australia, or TC2000 in Argentina, so unless the WTCC can offer an absolutely exceptional product it's going to have a hard time standing out
Hey Brock, i'm not a nascar fan but really enjoy your videos. at 16:10 is it FLAPS i see for when the car gets reversed, to slow them down? Thanks, take care!
16:30 is what i meant, sorry
Hasn't been good since they retired the COT. It had it's faults, but it was good bumper car action on road courses.
Love the music choice
Best moment: 2007.
@16:00 Sterling Marlin's wig won this race 3 years in a row.
Jeff Gordon Makes Sonoma Watchable
19:46 dale's rarely seen soft side.
Everybody Gave Him a High 5 after The 1998 Daytona 500
Awesome video
The racetrack is in Sonoma Valley, not Napa Valley.
Can somenoe tell me the race of that Rudd vs Wallace with.also Irvin?
Why not run the all-weather tires on and off the surface all day long rain or shine?
I went ther one day when it was practice. No one around and its the only track I can say i stood up on Victory Lane! One of my favorite tracks! Im sad they took it away his year
Awesome video!!!!
ive nearly bowled over in the carousel in hascar heat 5
Sears Point feels like a NASCAR Road Course to me.
I’m more of a Watkins Glen kinda guy but my boy SMOKE™️💨 tamed it 3 times
Nascar should put sears point as a Chase race next season
I don't think that will happen since the roval is already in
Great video. @12:52 no way Mark would have made the turn as those guys were gentleman vs. today's $$$spoiled rich kids$$$ that would have dumped the 6 car to take the win.
When did they change the name back to sears point?
They haven't, but should. Most people in the area still call it Sears Point
I have an odd feeling that Chase Elliot might just barely be able to squeak out the win when we return
I don't I don't know if you know when they originally came to Sonoma raceway it was actually originally a hell of a lot longer than it is now
And also I don't actually like the anfield layout for the stock cars I think the stock cars really are meant for the outer ring it fits them better
I like Watkins Glen better but Sears Point is still one to look forward too.
NASCAR should add another road course and I'm not talking about the roval in Charlotte.
Boooo! I like the Charlotte roval.
NASCAR has 6 road courses on the schedule next year.
Dude who is that guy with the big beard that was always in nascar victory lanes in the 80s?
I forget his real name.
But he was known as the HAT MAN.
Just looked it up...its a guy named Bill Brodrick....he was a UNOCAL 76 publicist who essentially coordinated victory lane interviews and photographs from the 60s to the 90s
When I was younger(I'm 48)I told my dad Nascar should not race any road courses,he told me I'd change my mind when I got older.I said "yea right!!Conversation with my son when he was 15,You'll like road courses when you are older.HaHaHa.True story.
Yep. Me too. Look forward to road races every year.
Jacques villeneuve is pronounced vill-nerv. not vill-a-nerve lol
you mother is pronounced vill-nerv
@@terskatti4994 no my mums name is patricia pa tri cha
@@christopherflynn4094 so Jacq then?
@@terskatti4994 are you drunk?
@@christopherflynn4094 Could be
Personally I prefer Watkins Glen but Sears Point is still amazing
I just wish nascar would run the boot at Watkins glenn
Kyle Schafer I completely agree
You got Derrick Cope's autograph?? WHY? You could have had Terry
That's a big difference between my brother and myself - I was LOOKING for Cope!
@@LASTCARonBROCK ....Why?
@@BigMattXXL Why not? The dude won the Daytona 500!
@@LASTCARonBROCK I guess you got a point
17:30 Borat!
The destroya Juan Pablo Montoya!
I was confused when they changed the name of it and never watched it after that
42:42 The words ‘Kyle Busch’ and ‘winless streak’ do not go together
I watched the 2012 race live
so did i, 2014 and 2017 too
I wish the trucks raced there
1995-98
It's the track closest to me, yet I've never been. I guess I'm just an oval guy.
Did you mean notLaguna Seca
I wish the cup series would get a real third road course im not a big fan of the charlotte roval.